2018 NILE Merit Heifer applications available for youths

From Northern International Livestock Exposition

BILLINGS — Applications for the NILE Merit Heifer Program in which the Northern International Livestock Exposition awards heifers to deserving youth in Montana and surrounding region are available and due by 5 p.m. June 30

The NILE Merit Heifer program is a live animal scholarship that strives to help youths get a start in the beef cattle business by awarding heifer calves to participants chosen based on merit, future goals, and ability to care for the animal. Any youth ages 12-16, who are a 4-H or FFA member, may apply. Applicants are not limited to Montana residents.

“This program would not be possible without the generous support of our donor ranchers and we are very grateful to them,” Bill Pelton, chair of the Merit Heifer Program, said.

During the program duration, participants are responsible for raising the heifer, arranging for her to be bred, completing the record keeping procedure and bringing the animal back one year later as a bred replacement heifer for exhibit at the NILE Stock Show in October.

Applications and a link to the YouTube video must be received no later than 5 p.m. June 30. An application is available online at http://www.thenile.org or by calling the NILE office. In addition to applications from eligible kids, the NILE is also accepting information from ranches wishing to donate a heifer calf.

The NILE Merit Heifer Selection Committee requires: 

• Complete application. 

• Character references.

• Written essay.

• A 3-5 minute YouTube video. 

The video should include, but is not limited to: an introduction, facility tour, current 4-H/FFA projects, goals and objectives for the Merit Heifer, and the video must be voiced by the applicant. An example YouTube video can be seen https://plus.google.com/collection/ck-gY.

For more information about the NILE Merit Heifer Program, email Shelby at [email protected] or call the NILE Office at 406-256-2495